Review: Les Misérables

Review: Les Misérables | Colorado Candlelight | Johnstown, CO | Curtain Up | Gina Robertson

“So Eponine is dying on stage and you’ve got the waiter at your elbow asking if you want a refill of your iced tea?”

This was my friend’s concern when we talked before the opening of Les Misérables at Candlelight Theater. I had to admit I didn’t know, since I’d never been to a live dinner theater event before. Turns out, it’s fine. Eponine’s death scene gets the attention it deserves, along with every other iconic, unforgettable scene in this production.

Dinner is served, eaten, and cleared away before the show starts, and there is no active wait service during the performance. It makes for a larger time commitment, especially for this three-hour show plus the two-hour round trip from Denver, but a show like this is worth setting aside a whole day for. And if you order dessert, you might get to have it served to you during intermission by the master of the house Thenardier himself in his pretty red boots!

In this production, Cathy Salaymeh and Jalyn Courtenay Webb are co-directors whose vision for this show hinged on a single line, the moment when the priest shows undeserved mercy to the thief Valjean, “I have bought your soul for God.” He creates a debt that Valjean must repay in the living of his life, which ripples out to touch the lives of others.

The part of Jean Valjean is played with heart by Patric Case, a bitter convict and thief redeemed by the kindness of his victim, who goes on to wealth and success but never forgets the lesson. John Sosna is his relentless rival Javert, whose mind is broken by the same sort of undeserved act of mercy that redeemed Valjean. Madison Bode stands out as Eponine, and the Thenardiers are played by Jalyn Courtenay Webb and Chas Lederer. Noah Noyes and Tanner Anderson are memorable as Gavroche.

Jalyn Courtenay Webb and Chas Lederer; Photo Credit: The Creative Agency

Overall, this is a grand production, as big and bold as it can be, staged and choreographed with precision by choreographer Dallas Padoven, lit spectacularly by lighting designer Vance McKenzie, accompanied by the full, rich sounds of the orchestra conducted by Mason Siders, and costumed beautifully by Savana Leveille.

At three hours, the show is long, with several songs I’d never seen before in other productions of Les Mis. In packing so much into that time, some sequences felt rushed, such as the early scenes of the chain gang, Valjean’s release and re-arrest, and his merciful encounter with the priest. Given that the theme of this production lies in that early scene, it’s a shame more time couldn’t be given to it. Later scenes are more fully developed but still drive forward at a brisk pace without lingering overlong on any one moment.

Vocals are incredible. Do you hear the people sing? You will, even if you’re standing outside in the parking lot, for this ensemble and orchestra give to this show all the grandeur and vigor that have traditionally come to be expected. Sets are not elaborate but convey the epic touchstones of the story, particularly the barricade.

Cast of Les Misérables; Photo Credit: The Creative Agency

With the emphasis on the personal rather than the political, the subtle dynamics between characters really come through in the performances, such as Valjean’s protective commitment to Fantine’s care and her dying wish, Eponine’s heartbreaking devotion to Marius and his affection for her, and Valjean’s heroic saving of Marius. The dynamic between Javert and Valjean is interesting as well, when they circle each other during the famous “Confrontation” at Fantine’s sick bed. These two men understand and respect one another, each only doing what he must.

What about the meal? The menu (in French!) has variety, and the food is quite good. Try the crème brulee. Servers are very attentive, and they won’t bother you during Eponine’s death scene.

Catch Les Misérables at Colorado Candlelight Dinner Theater through November 15.

Information and Tickets:https://coloradocandlelight.com/show/les-miserables-johnstown-colorado/